Every year, the NFL Draft produces a few names that create buzz among fans and analysts alike. In 2025, Miami’s Xavier Restrepo was one of them. A tough, dependable slot receiver, Restrepo has made a name for himself with sharp route running, strong hands, and relentless competitiveness.
However, he ultimately went undrafted, which was a shocker. Let’s examine why the Miami WR didn’t hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Limited Athletic Ceiling Caused Xavier Restrepo to Go Undrafted
Restrepo was, without a doubt, No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward’s favorite target in the 2024 Miami offense. He eclipsed 1,000 yards for the second straight season, racking up 69 catches for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had posted 1,092 yards and six touchdowns on 85 receptions in 2023.
Restrepo was incredibly productive in his five years at Miami, but how he projects to the NFL is less clear. He has a strong frame at 5-foot-10 and 209 pounds, and his superpower is his short-area quickness as a route runner and RAC threat.
However, Restrepo lacks great speed and explosiveness, and that’s the main reason he wasn’t picked in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was one of the slowest among receivers at the NFL Combine, running a below-average 4.83-second 40-yard dash.
Given his lack of athleticism, he will likely be a slot-only target in the NFL. While his limited athletic ceiling has caused him to go undrafted, there should be plenty of teams looking to employ him as an undrafted free agent. In the right role, he could still become an NFL contributor with his toughness, separation IQ, and sturdy hands.
Although Restrepo sports a sawed-off build, his frame density makes him a weapon akin to the way that Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has used Cooper Kupp throughout the years. Kupp often motions around the tackle box to be used as a battering ram against backside defensive ends and linebackers on split-zone action.
Could the Titans reunite Ward and Restrepo by signing the latter as an undrafted free agent? That could be a great way to help Ward get comfortable in Tennessee and acclimated to the NFL level — by playing with his top college target whom he already has great chemistry with.
Xavier Restrepo’s College Stats
Career:
- Receptions: 200
- Receiving Yards: 2844
- Receiving Touchdowns: 21
- Yards Per Reception: 14.2
2024:
- Receptions: 69
- Receiving Yards: 1127
- Receiving Touchdowns: 11
- Yards Per Reception: 16.3